Flash forward 12 months, and the 3MF Consortium, which includes industry-leading names such as Shapeways, Autodesk, 3D Systems, Ultimaker, GE Global Research and many more, has slowly yet steadily gained momentum, continuing in its efforts to address the shortcomings of existing file formats and develop a future-proof 3D printing support system that works across a mix of applications, platforms, services and printers.

Today, at Microsoft Build 2016, yet another industry innovator has announced its entrance to the clan: Mcor, makers of the world’s first full color, paper-based desktop 3D printer, the Mcor ARKe.

Mcor Orange, the company’s recently launched software, will now support the 3MF file format, allowing full color digital data (including the mesh, textures, materials, colors and print ticket) to be exported to the Mcor ARKe—making it the only option for Microsoft developers looking to design and 3D print full color objects.

“We are in this business to expand the possibilities of 3D printing and make it accessible to everyone, so we couldn’t be more excited about our new support for 3MF through Mcor Orange Software,” said Conor McCormack, co-founder and CEO of Mcor. “Without a doubt, this is huge news for the entire 3D design and printing industry, and will have positive implications moving forward.”

“The ARKe’s new software, Mcor Orange, is a great way to illustrate some of the key values and benefits of the 3MF format,” said Adrian Lannin, Group Program Manager, Microsoft. “By using 3MF, it’s much easier for 3D applications to define and print with full-fidelity color information. Innovative 3D tools such as Mcor ARKe and Mcor Orange are adopting 3MF because it helps them to provide complete, working solutions.”

The ARKe is part of Mcor’s dedicated line of desktop 3D printers that provide cost-effective, eco-friendly and safe 3D printing solutions for the educational market. Unlike traditional consumer 3D printers, which melt and extrude plastic filaments, the ARKe uses standard office paper, making it an affordable, non-toxic and unique product on the market.

Mcor’s Orange software, also launched in early 2016 and designed to make 3D printing as accessible as possible, is a user-friendly, MAC and PC-compatible tool.

Microsoft Build is a yearly event that brings MFST developers together to reveal and admire the company’s upcoming software plans, and it is currently taking place at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from March 30 to April 1. The Mcor ARKe and Mcor Orange software will be the only 3D printing technology on display at the event, right alongside some of the the latest and most exciting tools and technologies that are enabling businesses, industries, developers and designers be their most creative and productive ever.